U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby said the U.S. was “baffled” by Duterte’s declaration. “It’s not clear what [the separation] means in all its ramifications,” Kirby said.

In a statement Friday, Duterte’s office said the Philippines was not planning to renege on treaties or agreements with current allies.

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The comments by Duterte were “an assertion that we are an independent and sovereign nation, now finding common ground with friendly neighbors with shared aspirations in the spirit of mutual respect, support and cooperation,” the statement said.￼